Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 07 August 2023
In a heartfelt plea to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah, Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Former State President of the party, has urged for the swift disbursement of appropriate compensation to victims whose lands were submerged during the devastating Tsunami that struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on December 26, 2004.
In a letter addressed to the Union Home Minister, Mr. Jolly highlighted the dire situation faced by the affected victims, whose lands continue to remain submerged under the sea even after 18 plus years since the calamity struck.
During the UPA Government’s regime, a compensation amount of Rs. 9.35 lakhs per hectare was announced and awarded to the affected farmers and recorded tenants of the submerged lands. However, this amount was considered meager and fell well below the prevailing market rate, leading to widespread protests and agitation among the victims, with many refusing to accept the compensation.
During a visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Former National President of BJP, Mananiya Rajnath Singh, met with a large number of protesters from the affected areas and assured them that the compensation would be suitably enhanced. A committee, chaired by Vivek Rae, was subsequently formed to assess the situation and determine an appropriate compensation amount.
After conducting thorough assessments and hearing the grievances of the affected farmers and recorded tenants, the Vivek Rae Committee reportedly recommended a compensation of Rs. 36.75 lakhs per hectare. The committee’s report has been submitted to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister’s office.
Mr. Jolly expressed concern for the plight of these victims, who have been enduring hardship for nearly two decades, as they are neither allowed to use their recorded lands nor are they able to sell or dispose of the submerged properties.
In light of these circumstances, Mr. Jolly humbly requested the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Mr. Amit Shah, to expedite the disbursal of the recommended compensation as per the Vivek Rae Committee’s report. This timely assistance would offer much-needed relief to the affected individuals and help them rebuild their lives after enduring years of hardship.